Indian Fern (Ceratopteris thalictroides)

Family Ceratopteridaceae, shaped like a horn. dispersed throughout the world’s tropical regions.

Among aquarists, this plant is highly prized. It features lovely, finely divided light green leaves that can grow to a height of 40 to 50 cm in an aquarium with the right conditions. Aquarists most frequently come across the horn fern, Ceratopteris thalictroides cornuta, a type of fern with less divided leaves. The same conditions apply to ceratopteris with varying leaf forms.

The ideal temperature range for the plant to be kept in a tropical aquarium is between 22 and 26 °C. Its growth drastically slows down and its leaves become smaller at temperatures below 20 °C. The water needs to have a neutral or slightly acidic reaction, with a hardness of no more than 6 °. The plant deteriorates in hard water that has an alkaline reaction. It is not required to change the water frequently because the fern thrives in old, humic acid-rich water.

Strong lighting is necessary. It is acceptable to use artificial or natural light. The plant needs to be protected from the sun. You can use incandescent lamps, which are three times more powerful, or fluorescent lamps of the LB type, whose power should be between 0.4 and 0.5 W per liter of volume, for artificial lighting. Daylight saving time lasts for a minimum of twelve hours.

Although the plant has a well-developed root system, the roots are fragile and weak. As a result, the soil needs to be well silted and composed of small particles. The ideal substrate is coarse sand. Up to 4-5 cm of soil can be spread out in a layer.

This fern is extremely sensitive to too much mineral fertilizer, so it doesn’t require special mineral fertilizers. The nutrients that the soil and water provide to the plant are more than enough for it.

The fern forms daughter plants on the discarded leaves of the parent bush, which is an easy and natural method of reproduction. The daughter plant splits off and floats to the water’s surface after developing multiple leaves and a root lobe. It can develop as a floating plant there. It can be sown in the ground as well.

Aquarists also have another plant with large scalloped leaves that is similar to this fern.

It is a member of the Ceratopteris cornuta species and is frequently referred to as "water cabbage."

Grown adrift on the water’s surface. Its maintenance requirements are the same as those mentioned previously.

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Indian fern
INDIAN FERN. KEEPING AND BREEDING IN AN AQUARIUM
Indian fern in an aquarium, keeping, photos, care. Aquarium plants for beginners.
Indian fern (Ceratopteris thalictroides)

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2012-11-20

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The adaptable and lovely Indian fern (Ceratopteris thalictroides) grows well in a variety of aquarium environments and offers both aesthetic appeal and useful features like sheltering fish and assisting in maintaining water quality.

2012-11-11